Antiskidding device for vehicles.



W. H. PUT'NAM. A NTISKIDDIN G DEVICE FOR VEHICLES.

. APPLICATION FILED SEPT- 18, 1916-, Z Apr. 17

3 SHEETS-SHEET I.

WI TNESS:

INVENTOR.

Putnam,

ATTORNEY. I

W. H. PUTNAM. ANTISKIDDING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES.

Patented Apr'. 17, 191.7.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT-18, l9l6- 3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

ATTORNEY.

- W. H. PUTNAM. ANTISKIDDING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3,

. A d 6 m G l a D .v

INVENTOR. ME Puimm,

ATTORNEY.

v WITNESS: d

20 crating flexible members to be thrown more UNITED STATES PATENT o FIon WILLIAM H. PUTNAM, or. rnooxnrn, NEW YORK.

ANTISKIDDI'NG DEVICE FOR, VEHICLES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented App-1'7, 1917.

. Application filed September 18, 1916. SeriaI No. 120,618.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM H. PUTNAM, a .citizen of the United States of America, and residentof Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented certain new anduseful Improvements in Antiskidding Devices for Vehicles, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description. j

This invention is in further development of, and improvement on, anti-skid devices for automobiles or other vehicles of the character shown, described and claimed in Letters Patent of the United States granted to me Nov. 26, 1912, No. 1,045,609, and Aug. 17, 1915, No. 1,150,148.

A11 object of the invention is to provide improved means on the wheel of an automobile in engagement with which runs the a roller which carries the centrifugally opor less'nearlyradially and to engage under the tread of the wheel, which improved means more advantageously and efl'ectually insure the operation of the flexible member carrying roller.'

. Another objectjof the invention is to provide improved means for controlling the positions of the flexible member carrying roller therein.

which is to have its position of frictional engagement with the wheel and a position of retirement and disengagement from the wheel.

Another object is to improve the anti-skid device specifically in respect to the construe tion of the flexible members comprised Other objects of the invention are attained in andjby constructions and devices herein shown and described. In the drawings Figure 1 shows'a sectional elevation, as

seen from the inside, of onev of the rearwh'eelslof an automobile and the improved devices in operative relation thereto. I

Fig. 2 is a sectional view 111 detail showing parts {asseen onand beyond the plane jindicated by line 2-2, Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view as" seen taken on line 3-.3,.Fig.- 1, but showmg the W lfiexibllemember carrying roller as in its operative relation to the wheel.

Fig. .4 is a plan view of a portion of the vehicle comprising and adjacent one wheelthereof and showing the improved device thereon.

Fig. 5 is a sectional elevationshowing the chaufi'eurs controlling lever and a portion of the operating connection. Fig. 6 shows a face view of lever and detent devices otherwise shown 'in Figs. 1 and 2. I

Figs. 7 and 8 are respectively a fa'ceand a sectional view of elements comprised in the improved flexible roller-carriedmembers.

Figs. 9 and 10 are respectively a plan view and an elevationshowing housing provisions for the anti-skid device when in its positionv so mounted as to have, at pleasure, frictional bearing,.suitably near the ground bearing portion of the wheel, on a ring provided for sulch purpose and carried on the face of the w eel.

" As the device has been carried out in actual construction and for an important advantage, the ring is sectionally made where-'- by one of the sections is comparatively freely revolubl'e relatively to the wheel.

' The flexible members or chains have a tendency to grind or work out from under the tread while the. wheels are locked under the setting of the brakes, permitting the car toadvance on a forward skid,-there being, '-of course, when the wheels are locked, at

' stoppage of the rotationof the roller and. consequently of the centrifugal throw ofthe' chains. p

Now the object of having the ring on which the rollerfrictionallybears movable; relatively to the wheel, is to insure that the.

antiskid device will still turn-and remain operative after, the wheels have been locked and stopped by the action of thebz akes.

.. -In the actual construction as made and used, a ring G is securely aflixed on'the' in ner side of the wheel, concentric with the axis, its attachment as shown being by staple shaped clips a for engagements with the spokes of the wheel and the nuts a This ring is provided with a laterally projecting rib or flange b having a beveled periphery b which is encircled with a suitably close fit by a second ring 0 arranged on the same side of the wheel and loose relatively to the wheel and the first named ring and provided With'a flange c which is'inclined or oblique to the plane of rotation of the wheel and adapted for frictional engagement with the beveled peripheral portion of the ring sectionC.

CZ represents a retaining ring, separately made from the ring 0 but rigidly secured thereto by the screws or bolts 0Z to constitute, in effect, a rigid flange, supplemental to the flange 0 of the ring 0 to overlap on the face of the beveled portion 5 of the wheel affixed ring C.

The outer marginal portions of the in-' dependently revoluble ring 0 is turned or inclined obliquely to the plane of the wheel for receiving frictional engagement thereon of the edge of the antiskid roller A which has a position, in its presentation for the frictional bearing substantially at right angles to the surface of the portion 0 and, of course, also oblique to the plane of the wheel.

The aforementioned peripherally beveled portion 1) of the ring C is provided with a plurality of sockets f opening to the edge of the ring and receiving springs e therein, in compression and reacting against the supplemental ring 03 preferably through the medium of interposed bearing blocks e Means are provided for the introduction of lubricant into the spring sockets, such for instance, as the oilers or cups 9; and a duct (7 leads from each spring socket to the beveled periphery of the part 6, whereby the ring 0 may be suitably free relatively to the ring C.

The springs e exerting a pressureoutwardly against the retaining wing always insure a frictional contact on what may be regarded as the cone bearing portions of the devicefinsuring that the independently revoluble ring will partake of the motion of the wheel as soon as power is applied, for imparting motion to the antiskidroller.

Yet this frictional contact or engagement of the ring a relatively to the portion 6 of the wheel-affixed ring is not sufiiciently effective to prevent a continuing of revolution of the ring 0 when the brake is applied and the turning of the wheel stopped. I

,The great increase in efliciency of the device embodying the last described provisions so far supersedes the added cost of the equipment as to render the-latter inconsequential. r

.housing and projecting forwardly thereof.

The ournal bearing portion D at the forward extremity of the bracket D is axially oblique to the longitudinal and transverse lines of the vehicle so that the arm n and the roller carried thereby, in the oblique relations indicated have swinging movements from the withdrawn or inoperative relations shown in full lines in Fig. 1 to the operative relations shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 1, and by the full lines in Figs. 3 and 4.

The roller carrying arm n, from-its junction or'connection with the stud or short rockshaft n is downwardly inclined for a suitable way, is thence continued at an obtuse angle and terminates in an upwardly inclined portion, as the same is viewed in the full line representationthereof in Fig.

1,the same in other words being of a bowed form to afiord clearance from the axle housing, by the arm, when the antiskid roller is retired and occupies a position about at the level of and to the rear of the axle whereby the flexible members or chains will be well clear from the ground.

The arm carrying short stud or rockshaft n has at the opposite end of thejournal bearing hub'D from that of the arm a more or less nearly vertically extended rigidly afiixed lever E, to.a portion 'of which a sec- .ond lever F is connected by pivot 0.

This lever F as seen comprises a long arm above the pivot and a short arm below the .pivot and which short arm is formed to constitute a round ended pawl p. g The lever 1 swings relatively to the lever E in the same plane as that of the swing- .movement of the pawl provided lever relatively to the lever which is appurtenant to the roller carrying arm.

H represents a chaufieurs lever understood as mounted near and accessible from the drivers seat, the same comprising an upwardly extending handle arm, a pivotal member and a downwardly extending arm to which is attached the cable J rearwardly extrol of duplicated anti-skid devices for the opposite rear wheels of the automobile, the chauffeurs lever H is aflixedto and radially upwardly extended from a transverse rockshaft K suitably mounted on the body and which rockshaft has duplicated depending arms H for actions and results as manifest. Assuming the anti-skid device is in its upwardly swung position shown by full lines in Fig. 1 and retained by the engagement of the pawl 71 with the ratchet or detent shoulder 9, to release the device and permit the roller to be swung for a frictionally bearing operative position, the chaulfeurs lever is pulled back from the normal position 1 (indicated in Fig. 1) to the dotted line position, 2.

This swings the .secondary lever F to the I limit as determined by the abutment, compresses the spring G and swings the pawl out of engagement with the ratchet-like shoulder g.

Now the pawl being clear of the ratchet, the weight of the antiskid roller falls upon the chau'fleurs lever and as such weight is greater than the pressure necessary to compress the spring G and release the .pawl, it is only necessary to permit the chauffeurs lever to be swung to its extreme forward position represented by 3 in the dotted line indication at the right hand portion of Fig.

1. and under proper checking restraint by the hand of thechaufi'eur for the prevention of too violent impact of the anti skid rollerin coming to its operative contact relation to the ring '0. onthe wheel.

While the parts are in the operative positions or relations the pawl 72 has 'assumeda position around onthe inclined back of the ratchet-like member and behind the engage ment face or shoulderQof the latter.

Now to withdraw the device to its position of inaction, acomparatively short pull is given to the chaufl'eur s lever, that is one from position 3 to position 4.

This is to be a comparatively slow pull and to cause the release of the chain or flexible members from under the wheel, which it may be assumed isturniiigg' When the flexible members" shall have becomefree, which will be almost instantaneously performed, and which the driver will be aware of from the lessening of resistance and the lever F to be swung underthe reaction of the spring to permit. the'pawl to snap into engagement with the ratchet tooth.

To recapitulate these controlling operations with respect to the positions of the chauifeurs lever: Position 1 is the normal position,the parts retired. and restrained; position 2 is that of the lever when the spring is compressed, the ratchet disengaged and the antiskid device freed to be lowered; position 3 is that of the lever when the anti skid device is in its operative position; po-

sition 4 is that to which the lever is gradually drawn for effecting the withdrawal of the flexible members from under the tread of the wheel and from which to-the position 1 the lever is moved with a sharp jerk and release for slackening the cable, relieving the counter force on the spring and allowing the pawl to assume its engagement with the ratchet or detent shoulder.

The chaufleurs lever may be a hand 'ora foot actuated device as may be preferred.

A manually acting lever is, however, generally to be preferred to a foot lever as being somewhat better susceptible to the manipulations necessary for the peculiar controlling actions to be imparted to the roller carrying arm, and especially to enable in the withdrawing of the anti-skid device on the final forward movement of the lever, the proper action to enable the cable, even under a draft-imparting strain to become slackened.

In the final pulling movement With a quick jerking action, the draft on the cable is of a character to initially impart such a toss or impetus to the roller-carrying arm as to cause it and the lever arms to advance relatively to the cable, to thereby slacken or relieve the strain on the cable and to enable the spring G to react and set the'pawl.

Inasmuch as the roller carrying arm is thrown upwardly, for its retirement, more or less violently toward or against the axle, v

the arm is provided at an intermediate portion thereof with a buffer 8 to'act as acushion between the arm and axle and for absorbing the shock.

L represents a spring arm or 'clip mounted on a suitable fixed supporting part, as,

for instance, the bracket D near its connection with the axle housing and which extends in a downward and forward dlrectl'on,

and obliquely so as to exert a resilient impingement agalnst the roller carrying arm,

' the wheel.

" Inasmuch as some personswould prefer to remove the anti-skid roller in dry weather, I have provided a construction whereby the extremity'of the arm n.

The said boss shaped extremity, as shown,

in Fig. 3, is provided with a downwardly roller is detachably held on the boss shaped in the stud.

opening socket t therein, the wall surrounding said socket having radially arranged op posite apertures t therethrough.

The roller A has therefor a central stud u on which it rotates, being supported by the flange u said stud being upwardly extended to fit in said socket, and it is provided with recesses o therein to match with the aforementioned radial apertures 23 10 represents a retaining device indicated I The roller hub is to be provided with a bushing driven or tightly fitted therein; and .the roller supporting and bearing stud u, is made hollow and upwardly opening,the cavity in the stud constituting a lubricant receptacle; and the stud has a radial duct a through the lower portion thereof which 'is surrounded by the roller A for lubrication of the bearing surfaces, that is the exterior of the stud and the internal surface of the bushing which is appurtenant tothe roller.

The roller stud has mounted 'on it "a washer 21. which houses a dust excluding felt annular piece u.

- The upper end of the socket or oil -receiving cavity in the stud may be provided with a cork or other stopper or closure.

The anti-skid roller A advantageously comprises a peripheral bearing portion or the body of the roller and confined thereon by headed and nut-provided bolts A and clamping washers A The construction of. my improved devices vis-such that they may be altogether removed from the automobile, and reattached at pleasure, 'orparts only thereof may be re-' moved or rendered inoperative, for example, the anti-skid roller may be temporarily removed' from its carrying arm as hereinbe-' tapped hole therefor in the supplemental r ngv d, carried as a flange thereof by the rlng 0.,

By turning this screw inwardly to engage the outer edge of the portion 6 of thewheel aflixed ring 0, the ring obe'comes immovable relatively "to the" wheel.

The flexible members m m-of the antiskid device include elastic members to permit them to be endwise distensible and contractible; and in Figs. 3, v7 and 8 an improved form of link member is shown, the same consisting of an annular body or link m understood as made of elastic rubber with which with which also is connected a swivel m having an eye m connected with the depending members it of the roller.

The portion of the rubber link member 777. through which the shank of the swivel is passed is provided with a linkm of thin metal and of curved or are .form and provided with opposite side lips m engaging the faces of the rubber link.

The head or shoulder m of the swivel is in direct engagement against such lining, which latter reinforces and strengthens the link in a manifest manner.

The provision of the swivel as the medium of connection between each flexible member and the roller prevents the flexible members from becoming twisted in their anti-skidthe frictional bearing ring on the wheel, I

have provideda clearer or scraper member N for engagement on the} beveled portion 0 of the ring. P

This scraper is fixed on a boss N on the .journal bearing portion D of the bracket or other suitable fixture therefor; and as the use thereof is to be only temporary, it is adjustable so as to be swung from its operative position relatively to the ring, toward the center of the car and away from such ring by' merely'loosenjng and retightening the screw N Figs. v9 and 10 represent the housing for each roller when drawn up out of engagement with the wheels.

This housing is made in the form of a box or casing P, supported'by an arm P mounted on or connected to a part of the bracket D; and it has a tilting back or cover Q hinged at Q and to be normally closed by a spring applied to the hinge in the usual manner employed in s ring hinged covers.

The cover or back (5 is of curved form-as represented at Q, so as to also form a closure for one endof the casing or housing.

The anti-skid roller when raised will strike a curved part of the movable back Q, forcing the'back open to permit the entrance of the device therein, whereupon the back will swing into its normally closed position, gathering the chains. in the depression Q comprised in the reversely curved part Q This casing or housing may be provided one of the links of the chain is engaged, and

with a lining to prevent or lessen the rattling of the chains.

I claim:

1. In a device of the character described, the combination with a vehicle wheel having a ring on the side thereof which is circumferentially movable relatively to the Wheel, of, a roller mounted to have the edge thereof in frictional bearing on saidring, and provided With a plurality of flexible members adapted under centrifugal force to be thrown more or less nearly radially and to engage under the tread of the Wheel;

In a device of the character described, the combination with a vehicle Wheel having a ring on the side thereof which is circumferentially movable relatively to the wheel, and means for imparting a frictional engagement between the Wheel and ring, of a roller mounted to have the edge thereof in frictional bearing on saidring, and provided with a plurality offlexible members adapted under centrifugal force to be thrown more or less nearly radially and to engage under the tread of the wheel.

In a device of the character described, the combination with a vehicle wheel having a ring on the side thereof which is normally circumferentially movable relatively to the wheel, of a roller mounted to have the edge thereof in frictional bearing on said ring, and provided with a plurality of flexible members adapted under centrifugal force to be thrown more or less nearly radially and to engage under the tread of the wheel, and means for temporarily confining said ring non-revolubly relatively to the wheel.

4. In a device of the character described, in combination, a wheel having a ring section fixed on the side thereofand provided with a laterally protruding portion having a beveled or conlcal periphery, another ring section arranged on the side of the Wheel and loose relatively to the Wheel and the first named ring section and provided with a portion adapted .for frictional engagement with the beveled portion of the said named ring section and means for retaining the:

second ring section relatively to the first ring section, and a roller mounted to have the edge thereof in frictional bearing on-said second ring section and provided with a plurality of flexible members adapted to be centrifugally thrown and to engage under the tread of the wheel.

5. In a device of the character described, in combination, a wheel-having a ring section fixed on the side thereof and provided with a laterally protruding portion having a beveled periphery, another rmg sectlon-arranged on the side of the'wheel and loose relatively to the wheel and the first named ring section and provided'with an inclined flange adapted for frictional engagement with the beveled portion of the first named i ring section, a retaining ring, secured to the edge of said flange, and overlapping theedge of said beveled portion of the first ring section, and a roller mounted to have the edge thereof in frictional bearing on the said second ring section and provided with a plurality of flexible members adapted to be centrifugally thrown the tread of the Wheel.

6. In a device of the character described, in combination, a wheel having a ring sec-' tion fixed on the side thereof-and provided with a laterally protruding portion having a beveled periphery, another ring section arranged on the side of the Wheel and loose relatively to the Wheel and the first named ring section and provided with an inclined flange adapted for frictional engagement with the beveled portion of the first named ring section, a retaining ring, secured to the edge of said flange, overlapping the edge of said beveled portion of the first ring section, and a. set screw provided to the retaining ring, and adapted to lock it, and the second ring section to the first section, and a roller mounted to have the edge thereof in frictional bearing on the said second ring section and provided with a plurality of flexible members adapted to be centrifugally thfi'ovyn and to engage under the tread of the w ee 7. In a device of the character described,

in combination, a wheel having a ring sec tion fixed on the side thereof and provided with a laterally protruding portion havin a beveled periphery, made with a plurality of spring sockets therein, another ring section arranged on the side of the wheel and loose relatively to the wheel and to the first named ring section and provided with a portion adapted for frictional engagement with the beveled portion ofthe first named ring section and also provided with'a flangeforming member overlapping the edge of said beveled and socketed portion, and springs in compression in said sockets and reacting against said flange-forming memher, anda roller mounted to havetthe edge with a laterally protruding portion having made with a plurality another ring seca beveled periphery, of spring sockets therein, tion arranged on the side of the wheel and loose relativelv to the wheel and to the first named ring section and provided with a portion adapted for frictional engagement with the beveled portion of the first named ring section and also provided with a flangeand to engage under I springs in compression in said sockets and reacting against said flange-forming memher, and the saidbeveled and socketed portion of the wheel attached rim having means for supplying oil into the sockets, and having oil ducts leading from the sockets to the surface of the beveled portion of such ring, and a roller mounted to have the edge thereof in frictional bearing on said second ring section and provided with a plurality offlexible members adapted to be centrifugally thrown and to engage under the tread of the Wheel. 1 r

9. In a device of the character described, the combination with a vehicle wheel having a ring on the side thereof provided with a flange inclined to the plane of such side of the wheel, of a roller adapted to have an operative position oblique to the plane of the wheel and substantially perpendicular to the face of said inclined flange and to frictionally bear on the latter, and provided with a plurality of flexible members adapted'to be centrifugally thrown for engagements under the tread of the wheel.

10. In a device of the character described, a vehicle wheel having a rin on the inner side thereof provided with a ange inclined to the plane of such side o'fthe wheel, and a supporting bracket inwardly beyond the wheel, a rock-shaft j ournaled in said bracket on a line oblique to the plane of the wheel and provided with an arm, and a rollerrevolubly mounted at the extremity of such arm,

and means for imparting a rocking movement to said shaft and arm, for causing the .roller to have an operative position substantially perpendicular to the face of said inclined flange and to frictionally bear on the latter, and to have a retiredposition of disengagement from such flange, said roll-er being providedwith a plurality of flexible members adapted to be centrifugally thrown for engagements under the tread of the wheel, and means for controlling the position of the rock-shaft.

'11. The combination with a vehicle wheel, and a fixed supporting part of the vehicle, of a rock shaft journaled in said supportvprovided'with an arm carrying a roller Which is provided with a plurality of centrifugally 1 operating flexible members, and said rock shaft having a lever aifixed thereto, another lever pivoted on the first named lever and having one member thereof forming a-pawl and having a spring reacting between the other-member thereof and the first lever, a ratchet-like member on the support with which said pawl coacts, an operating lever and a connection between same and the second named lever, operable to permit the roller to frictionally engage the vehicle wheel, and to swing and hold the roller in a position withdrawn from engagement withnaled in said support provided with an arm carrying a roller which is provided with a plurality of centrifugally operating flexible members, and said rock shaft having a. lever afiixed thereto, another lever pivoted on the first named lever and having one member thereof forming a pawl and having a 5 ring between the other member thereof an the first lever, means for limiting the movement of the second relatively to the first lever, a ratchet-like member on the support with which said pawl coacts, an operatlng lever and a connection between same and the second named lever. v

13. A wheeled vehicle provided with a fixed journal support in suitable relation to one of the vehicle wheels, a rockshaft journaled in said support provided with an arm silient engagement therewith for holding or steadying the roller in its frictional engage ment with the wheel.

14 The combination with a wheel and the axle housing of a vehicle, which housing is provided with a forwardly extending bracket, a rockshaft journaled in said bracket in a line oblique to the axle and the plane of the wheel, and carrying an arm of bowed shape, which arm is provided with a rolle'r having'a plurality of centrifugally operating flexible members, and said arm being adapted to be swung to a position for presenting the roller in frictional engagementwith the vehicle wheel and to be swung the axle housing of a vehicle, which housing is provided with a forwardly extending bracket, a rockshaft journaled in said bracket in a line oblique to the axle and the.

15 The combination with a wheel and plane of the wheel, and carrying an arm of bowed shape, which arm isprovided with a roller having a plurality of centrifugally operating flexible members, and said arm being adapted to be swung to a lowered position for presenting the roller in frictional engagement with the vehicle wheel and to ing is provided with a forwardly extend-.

mg bracket, a rockshaft journaled in said bracket in a line oblique to the axle and the plane of the wheel, and carrying an arm of bowed shape, which arm is provided with member formed of wire, afn

lingthe positions of the roller socket therein,

a roller having a plurality of centrifugallv operating flexible members, and said arm being adapted to tion for presenting the roller in frictional engagement with the vehicle wheel and to be swung to a position. of retirement crosswise of and in proximity to the axle housing, and provided at an intermediate portion, on its upper side with a buffer, and

-means for controlling the positions of the roller carrying arm, and a resilient member with which the roller carrying arm engages when in its lowered position.

17. The combination of a wheel and a fixed supporting part of a vehicle, an arm journaled in said support and having its extremity in the form of a circular hub or 'boss provided with a downwardly opening socket therein, the wall surrounding said socket having radial apertures therethrough, a roller, having a plurality of centrifugally operating flexible members, provided centrally with a stud on which it rotates, and Which stud is extended to fit said socket and is provided with recesses therein, a retaining intermediate portion of which is formed to embrace the extremity of the arm while the end portions of the wire are downwardly and then radially inwardly extended for detachably engaging in the apertures in the arm-extremity and in the stud, and means for controlcarrying arm relatively to the wheel.

18. The combination of a wheel and a fixed supporting part of a vehicle, an arm journaled in'said support and having its extremity in the form of a circular hub or boss provided with a downwardly opening a wall surrounding said socket having radial apertures therethrough,

a roller, having a plurality of centrifugally operating flexible members, provided centrally with a shouldered and upwardly opening hollow stud on which it rotates, and which stud is extended into said socket and is provided with recesses therein, a retaining member engaging the extremity of the arm and having members radially and inwardly detachably engaging in the apertures in the arm'extremitv and in the stud,

the cavity in the stud constituting a lubribe swung to a lowered posie cant receptacle and the stud having a radial duct through the roller surrounded portion thereof, and means for controlling the positions of the roller carrying arm relatively to the wheel.

19. In a device of the character described, the combination with a vehicle wheel having a ring on the side thereof within the wheel riin, of a roller mounted on the vehicle and adapted to have frictional engagement with said ring and provided with a plurality of centrifugally acting flexible members.

20. In a device of the character described,

the combination with a vehicle wheel hav-.

mg a ring on the side thereof within the wheel rim, of a roller mounted on the vehicle and adapted to have frictional engagement with said ring, provided with a plurality of centrifugally means for detachably connecting said ring on the wheel.

21. .In a device of the character described, the combination with a vehicle wheel, of a roller adapted to be positioned in frictional bearing against the wheel suitably adjacent acting flexible members, and i its ground bearing portion and provided with a plurality of centrifugally operating flexible members and swivels through the medium of which they are connected to the roller.

22. In a device of the character described, the combination with a vehicle wheel, of a roller adapted to be positioned in frictional bearing against thewheel suitably adjacent its ground bearing portion and provided With a plurality of centrifugally operating flexible members, each comprising at its portion adjacent the roller an elastic member having a swivel engaged therewith and which swivel is connected to the roller.

23. In a device of the character described, the combination with a vehicle wheel, of a roller adapted to be positioned in frictional bearing against the wheel suitably adjacent its ground bearing portion, providedwith a plurality of centrifugally ble members, each comprising a plurality of links, and a link connecting elastic member,

and swivels for connecting the flexible mem-- here to the roller.

24:. In a device of the character described,

operating flexithe combination with a vehicle wheel, of a roller adapted to be positioned in frictional bearing against the wheel suitably adjacent its ground bearlngportion, provided with a plurality of centrifugally operating flexible members, each thereof comprising at its portioi adjacent the roller an elastic rubber link an beyond said lining and the body of the link and connected with the roller. r 26. In a vehicle the combination with one of the wheels thereof having a frictionbearing ring, of a roller mounted to have. the rim thereof in frictional bearing on said ring and provided with a plurality of flexible centrifugally operating members, and a the vehicle having a side and end thereof device for clearing or cleaning the surface of the friction ring mounted on the vehicle and adaptedto have a position for engagement with said ring.

27. In a vehicle the combination with one of the wheels thereof having a friction bearing ring, of a roller mounted to have the rimthereof in frictional bearing on said ring and rovided with a plurality of flexible centri ugally operating members, and a scraper blade mounted on a' fixed part of the vehicle and to extend to engagement with the surface of the friction ring and adjustable whereby the position thereof may be shifted from engagement to one of disen-- gagement from the ring.

28. In a device of the character described, the combination with a vehicle, of a' roller provided with a plurality 'of centrifugally operating flexible members, a

movable support on which the roller is mounted whereby it may be positioned infrictional contact on the wheel and retired away from such wheel, means for varying the position of the support, and a housing mounted on the vehicle into which the roller may be entered when in its retired position.

29.,In a device of the character described, the combination with a vehicle, of a roller provided with a plurality of centrifugally operating flexible members, a movable support on which the roller is mounted whereby it may be positioned in frictional con-;

tact on the wheel and retired away from such wheel, means for varying the position of the support, and a housing mounted on open, a spring hinged cover for closing such a roller provided with a plurality of cen-- trifugally operating flexible membe-rs, a movable support on which the roller is mounted whereby it may be positioned in frictional contact on the wheel and retired away from such wheel, means for varying the position of the support, and a housing mounted on the vehicle having a side and end thereof open, a spring-hinged cover to close the side of the housing having an angularly arranged and reversely curved end portion for closing the end of the housing, the extremity of such portion constituting an impingement member for opening the cover when the roller is shoved into the housing, and the concave part thereof servthe edge thereof in frictional engagement with the wheel and provided with a plurality of flexible centrifugally operable mem-- bers, said roller being provided with a tire ring detachably'connected thereto and having a tire thereon. 1

32. A flexible anti-skid member for a device of the character described, comprising a swivel and means for attachment of the member to a roller.

33. A flexible anti-skid member for a device of the character described, made elastic for endwise distention and contraction pro-5 vided-with -a swivel, and means for attach;

ment of'the member to a roller.

34. A flexible anti-skid member for a de' vice of the character described, comprising a plurality of links, an end one of which is composed of elastic material, and having a swivel connected thereto which is provided with means for of to a roller.

WILLIAM PUTNAM.

the attachment there- I 

